Avery Healthcare was proud to host this year’s Chef of the Year competition at the Brakes Innovation Centre in Reading, a vibrant celebration of creativity, culinary skill, and the exceptional talent found in our care homes.
Organised and hosted by Simon Lawrence and Greg Simmonds, the event brought together six passionate chefs to showcase their flair and commitment to delivering high-quality food experiences for our residents.
We’re delighted to announce that Juan Lopez from Birchwood Grange was crowned Avery Chef of the Year 2025. His delicious herb-infused chicken dish, followed by a standout carrot cake pudding with a fresh mango centre, secured him the top spot. Alongside the title, Juan received a £100 Avendra voucher and a stunning knife set from Lockhart.
In second place was Emilio Pascucci from Astbury Manor, who impressed the judges just days after winning Best Main Course at the NACC South Regional Heats. Third place was awarded to Anthony Eves for his beautifully presented stuffed chicken and aquafaba peach dessert.
Recognising Outstanding Talent
Two chefs also received Highly Commended awards in recognition of their impressive dishes and professional approach:
Boudjemaa Ould Ameur from Greensand shared:
“This was my first competition, and I really enjoyed the whole experience. The venue was great, and everything was so well organised. It was inspiring to meet other chefs, exchange ideas, and feel part of such a passionate community. Winning Highly Commended has given me a real confidence boost and sparked my interest in entering more competitions in the future.”
James Dugmore was proud to receive recognition and praised the event for its supportive and professional atmosphere.
Beyond the awards, the true success of the day was the shared sense of pride, learning, and camaraderie. Our chefs swapped tips and techniques, supported one another, and celebrated their shared love of cooking, all in the name of enhancing mealtimes across Avery homes.
We were honoured to be joined on the judging panel by Neel Radia, National Chair of the NACC, and extend our thanks to all who helped make the day a success, including our generous sponsors and supporters from Brakes, Avendra, and Lockhart.
Running events like this is a team effort, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed, from providing prizes and chef jackets to helping create an inspiring and professional setting.
Most importantly, thank you to our incredible chefs. Your passion, creativity, and commitment continue to raise the bar for culinary excellence across Avery.
